Court case could shut down Powell County drug rehab clinic

By Sam Smith&nbsp|&nbsp

Posted: Tue 5:05 PM, Feb 25, 2014&nbsp|&nbsp

Updated: Tue 5:28 PM, Feb 25, 2014

STANTON, Ky. (WKYT) - A court case versus the city of Stanton could result in the closure of the Renewed You Clinic. The outpatient clinic prescribes suboxone to recovering addicts. There's a question over whether the clinic has the proper permits to operate in town. They've been open for a few months and have more than 30 clients.

Some people in the community will be happy to see the clinic close.

Pastor Jonathon Lewis of the Stanton Baptist Church would like to see a change in how the clinic operates. Clients are prescribed suboxone and take the drug at home. Lewis would like to see all medications remain inside the clinic. He says suboxone is already a problem in the community and the clinic would increase the issue.

"I think the drug addicts and the dealer are going to benefit more from this than the community itself," said Lewis.

Clinic Executive Director Allen Sperry says it's part of their program to allow their clients to be out on their own. He says it helps them readjust to being clean. All of their clients are drug tested. Not only for opiates, but to also check if they are taking all of their medicine.

"Hopefully, we'll overcome the stigma of addiction," said Sperry.

The courts will have the final say. A hearing is set for Wednesday at 9 a.m. People that support and oppose the clinic will be in attendance.

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